Super-slim Linux on a Raspberry Pi

Linux has a reputation for being available in many shapes and sizes, but now there is a version of Linux that promises to beat all-comers on both size and price. The new Linux PC, created by UK game developer David Braben, is not much larger than a thumb, but packs enough power to replace a lightweight laptop.

Called Raspberry Pi, the entire computer is housed on a tiny circuit board that is little more than a USB port, an ARM processor and an HDMI connection. Despite this the Raspberry Pi is no slouch and runs at 700MHz with 128MB of memory.

For the operating system is a version of Linux that runs OpenGLES 2.0 that provides 1080p output for graphics. Also included is an SD card slot for storage.

With these specifications the Raspberry Pi is no speed freak but, by the same token, is no slow poke either. Considering it costs just US$25 (around R180) to produce, the pint-sized computer is potentially a brand new assault on low-cost computing.

The one thing that the ultra-compact PC doesn’t yet include is support for wi-fi connection. However, there is an illustration on the Raspberry Pi website that shows the PC with a 12 megapixel camera.

Under the hood, the PC runs a version of Ubuntu; though presumably the PC could run most versions of Linux.

The low-cost device is a natural competitor to the long-running One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) project which for many years has been trying to create a cheap laptop to be used by learners in developing countries.

The OLPC’s original intention was to produce a laptop for under $100 but the organisation struggled to keep costs down. To its credit, the OLPC project spawned a number of imitators and in some way preceded the netbook and tablet PC revolution. At the very least the OLPC project inspired a new generation of low-cost computing devices.

The Raspberry Pi will be marketed though a charitable organisation called the Raspberry Pi Foundation.

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